A learning disability is permanent and affects the way individuals process new information, use their senses, and organize and express information.

No, a learning disability can manifest itself in basic reading, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, listening comprehension, mathematics reasoning, expressive and written language.

Reading difficulties are by far the most common problems for individuals with learning disabilities.

Individuals with learning disabilities can learn strategies to accommodate learning and work enviroment demands. 

*  Estimates range from 5% to 20% of the population.

*  One in six families will have a member with learning disabilities.

*  In 2001, over 68,000 students in North Carolina public schools were identified with learning disabilities.

*  Over 50% of all school-age students with disabilities are learning disabled

The states website has a number of documents that may make RTI more understandable to you.

Parents Rights Handbook
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/ec/policy/resources/2008/parent-handbook.pdf

Response to Intervention
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/development/learning/responsiveness/

Moving through Levels during RTI
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/ec/development/learning/responsiveness/problemsolvingmodel.pdf

What others are saying:

LDA Position Paper on RTI

 Responsiveness to Intervention: Questions Parents MUST Ask
From LDA NATIONAL Website
http://www.ldanatl.org/news/responsiveness.asp

Former LDA President Charlie Giglio responds to the Wall Street Journal article on RTI. http://www.ldaamerica.org/news/lettertowsj.asp

Anyone who suspects a a learning disability can get testing through a private practice psychologist.  The type of testing you need is called a psychoeducational or a psycho educational battery of tests.  At a minimum a psychologist will administer an IQ test and a test of achievement. The cost can range from $200 - over $1000 depending on the number of test administered.  It is important to ask a psychologist which tests they will administer and why, as your need for the test should impact the tests given. Visit LINKS for more information on adults with learning disabilities.

 If you suspect a learning disabilitiy in a school aged child, then you may request testing from the school district.  IDEA mandates that the Local Education Agency provide testing even if the child is not enrolled in the public school system.  The school district will use their own school psychologist or psychometrist to conduct the required testing. 
Visit http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/assessment/evaluation.asp for detailed information on the evaluation process and what to do if you disagree with their findings.

 Always make all requests for special education testing and services in writing. Visit Wrightlaw.com for more information on documentation. For more information on the process of identification